Recognizing a need for therapy services in the area, and a desire to invest in the community, Grain Valley resident Melissa Winston opened 510 Counseling Group at 1406 Eagles Parkway in January.
     “All of our team members have specialization in working with teens and families. It was a perfect space to be right near the alternative school and the high school. It worked out that this is an ideal space to connect with the community,” Winston said.
     Prior to opening her own practice, Winston worked with a nonprofit organization providing direct instruction on healthy relationships to high school health classes. The program opened up a text line for students to text in questions, and Winston, as the trained therapist, answered those questions.
     “We got thousands of questions, and  heard a lot of heartbreak. You work with kids and deal with their big issues, and I just thought, ‘I want to help at a higher level’,” Winston said.
     Winston returned to school while continuing work at the community level, deciding to focus on the micro level, helping families on an individual basis. 
     Winston stresses therapy is a helpful tool in all stages of life, but the need has increased for everyone due to the stress the pandemic has caused on daily life.
     In the lives of teens, the pandemic has intensified issues therapists often see with patients.
     “We’re seeing a lot of loneliness and isolation. A lot of conflict with parents over technology, because it is their one way to connect with friends. We also see problems with issues such as video game addiction and self harm,” Winston said.
     “We are seeing a lot of kids who would normally be very successful. Kids who are used to being successful in sports, who are used to being successful in the classroom, are really struggling because they just don’t have their coping strategies accessible to them.”
     “I think that’s been the case for everyone to a certain degree. You know, I can’t go to the gym, and I can’t talk to people and hang out with my friends. With teens, this turns into trouble managing their emotions, and trouble talking about it.”
     “A constant theme I hear is ‘I know my situation is not nearly as bad as XYZ’, and they feel bad for feeling the way they feel. So, we just do a lot of giving people space to feel whatever they are feeling and just talk about it.”
     Winston said everyone can benefit from recognizing the trauma we have all faced over the past year and honestly reflecting and talking about it.
     “Even though we may have had the best case scenario—no loss of job, no one in your family becoming ill—still as a community, we have experienced collective trauma. Life as we know it is not the same. The uncertainty of the future is looming for everyone. So, I think we have to acknowledge what has happened physically in our bodies..”  
     “When we don’t feel safe that we can leave our homes, that we are going to get a paycheck, that if my kiddo gets a cold it could be COVID and I may lose them, we don’t feel that sense of safety and we lose a sense of control, our bodies start to live in this heightened state where our nervous systems are on edge. It makes us more irritable, more impatient, and gives us less ability to make good decisions.”
     “I really encourage people to take some inventory of where you are. Be honest with yourself, process it and talk about it. When we do that and start to change our pattern of self-care, it can really help.”
     “We are not okay alone. As people, we don’t do well alone for long. So, that is why it is so important to find creative ways to engage and seek help when we feel we need it.”
     Winston says if it is not possible to connect in person, connecting by phone or via apps like Snapchat can be fun for adults as well as kids.
     Janelle DeBlock, MA, LPC, does a lot of work with younger children in her practice and sees the impact of the past year on younger patients as well. While younger children are experiencing the same stresses and disruptions to their lives, DeBlock sees hope in how they cope.
     I’m actually impressed with how younger kids are aware and understand the situation we are all facing. This whole generation of kiddos have the intelligence and understanding of how our behaviors individually impact the community,” DeBlock said.
     510 Counseling Group does not accept insurance, but staff works with clients to provide documentation needed to request reimbursement from insurers, and offers a sliding scale for Grain Valley students.
     510 Counseling Group can be reached online at www.510counseling.com and by phone at (816) 443-5279.

​     The forecast for Grain Valley on February 17th was a high of 21 degrees with a chance of snow. In stark contrast was the sunny skies and 66 degree forecasted temperature in Surprise, Arizona. The latter is the spring training home of the Kansas City Royals. February 17th was the first day pitchers and catchers are eligible to report for the Royals in Surprise. The first full team squad workout is scheduled for February 22nd.
     Familiar faces remain for the Royals as they head to Arizona. Danny Duffy and Salvador Perez are both set to begin their 10th season with the team that signed and developed them. Both are also entering the final year of their contracts, otherwise known as the “walk year” in baseball terminology. Designated hitter Jorge Soler is also in the same boat and is scheduled to be paid $8 million in the final year of the deal he originally inked with the Chicago Cubs.
     Joining Duffy, Perez, and other long term Royals such as Whit Merrifield, who enters his 6th season with the team will be new faces like first baseman Carlos Santana, left fielder Andrew Benintendi, center fielder Michael Taylor, and the return of veteran southpaw Mike Minor, who was previously with the club in 2017.
     The Royals only have a few spots open for competition during Spring Training as they return an established team that David Adler of MLB.com suggests will be one of the seven teams that are going to better than people think. General Manager Dayton Moore has also gone on record saying he expects the Royals to be competitive within the American League Central Division this season.
     The Major League Baseball Players Association has rejected the MLB proposal to delay the start of the 2021 season due to COVID-19 concerns. Instead, the players union is advocating for a full 162 game season that begins on time. That means the Royals first spring training game is still scheduled to be played at 2:05pm CST on February 28th against the Texas Rangers.
     The start of baseball can be a smorgasbord of memories and eagerness for fans. Some will look forward to the unmistakable smells of popcorn and hotdogs in the brisk spring air. Others will debate if they can sing “Take me out to the ballgame” better than the late longtime Cubs broadcaster Harry Carey. And no doubt some will ignore statistical probability and still bring their glove to the game and wear it an effort to be prepared for the inevitable foul ball they expect to be hit their way and catch. If all else fails, a continued generation of fathers and their children who struggle to find common things to talk about will banter back and forth about baseball.
     Grain Valley Eagles head baseball coach Brian Driskell has his own reason he looks forward to the start of professional baseball. Driskell witnessed the 2020 high school baseball season erased due to COVID-19. The Eagles were 19-11 the last time they took the field as a team in 2019. Grain Valley News recently discussed baseball related topics with Driskell, including what he looks forward to the most and what he has missed about the sport.
     “The anticipation of a new season and the excitement around it is special. There is a reason why places like the ‘K’ (Kauffman Stadium) sell out on opening day. It is a like a New Year’s resolution in that you are starting again with hope,” Driskell said.
     “I also miss the day to day of practice and hanging out with the boys and the memories created. I do enjoy my time away from the game as well. Coaching my son’s team during the offseason is rewarding. I get in modes when I am drowning in baseball. My family and I try to make the months of July and August our time away from professional responsibilities.”
     One of the keys to the 2021 season that will be paramount to the success of the Kansas City Royals is the continued growth of their young pitching. Three-fifths of the Royals starting rotation will be under the age of 25. Brad Keller is 24, Brady Singer is 23, and Kris Bubic is 22. Southpaw starters Danny Duffy and Mike Minor are set to be the crafty elder statesmen of the rotation at 31 and 33 years of age, respectively.
     The Royals finished the shortened 60 game 2020 season with a team Earned Run Average (ERA) of 4.30 and an average of 9 strikeouts per nine innings pitched, while giving up 1.375 walks and hits per innings pitched (WHIP). Those numbers compare favorably to the Royals World Series appearances of 2014 and 2015. This revelation should continue to fuel the optimism of the organization for the upcoming season. Having top pitching prospects such as Asa Lacy, Daniel Lynch, Jackson Kowar, and Carlos Hernandez approaching the status of being “major league ready” as they polish their skills does not hurt either.
     Hall of Fame pitcher Warren Spahn once said, “hitting is timing, pitching is upsetting timing.” One of the age old debates around America’s pastime is the effectiveness of pitching inside and when to do it in the hitter’s at-bat. The risk and reward involved is upsetting the hitter’s comfort level versus possibly giving the batter first base or worse if they take exception to being plunked.
     Driskell shared his thoughts on the decision of pitching inside and its worth.
     “I read a piece the other day on Trevor Bauer and him attacking guys away late in the count. The ability to pitch inside give you an advantage. Anthony Rizzo stands close to the plate and his hands hover over the inner half of the plate saying if you can hit the inner half of the plate three times, then I will tip my hat to you,” Driskell said.
     “If you miss in, you hit them, of if you miss away then you give the batter a hittable pitch. Showing a hitter that you have the confidence to pitch inside and disrupt a hitters timing or thinking gets into the head of the person at the plate and may mess with their confidence. This gives a possible advantage to the pitcher.”
     The Royals are also heading to spring training with a limited number of proven lefties in their bullpen. Typically, managers like to have the availability to call on southpaws for favorable lefty to lefty (pitcher to hitter) matchups as the game unfolds. Royals General Manager Dayton Moore and Manager Mike Matheny have elaborated that they are less concerned with traditional thinking in that manner and more concerned about what statistics and advance metrics show in relation to a pitcher’s ability to get a batter out from either side of the plate.
     Control, the arsenal contained by a pitcher, and the recent streak that pitcher has been on during relief appearances is the approach Driskell believes matters the most.
     “The matchup scenario depends on the lefty you have in the bullpen. I was a sidearm change up and sinker pitcher in college and pitched better to lefties than I did to a right hander. Someone like Max Scherzer has the stuff to get a batter out regardless of what side of the plate he hits on,” Driskell said.
     “Control matters as well. What streak the pitcher and current batter at the plate has been on, that is important to consider as well. I like getting the best guy on the mound.”
     Offensively, the Royals have focused this offseason on adding bats to the lineup that have good eye discipline in relation to the strike zone and strong on-base percentage. The Moneyball adage that it is hard to score runs if you cannot get on base and runs lead to wins. Enter the acquisitions of first baseman Carlos Santana and left fielder Andrew Benintendi.
     Santana led the American League in walks with 47 during the shortened 2020 season as well as boasting a healthy .349 on-base percentage. Benintendi posted a .359 on-base percentage last season and has been at .350 for OBP four out of his six seasons at the major league level.
     Moore and Matheny have both spoken highly of the team’s newest acquisitions.
     “We have admired Carlos for a long time within this division. We have watched him develop and mature into a productive hitter, a winning-type player. Very grateful he can be part of our organization. He fits in extremely well with our lineup and our players,” Moore said.
     Matheny added in relation to Benintendi, “Sweet swing. Trying to watch his swing through a scout’s eye, you see this guy had a real nice idea of plate awareness. He just didn’t have a lot of swing and miss.”
     Driskell views on-base percentage at the high school level for the Eagles more about the hitter’s place in the lineup and the approach used at the plate, especially dependent on the count.
     “Top of the lineup guys, I pay attention to on-base percentage. How hitters at the bottom of the lineup hit and attack may be different. We want to get a ‘quality at-bat.’ We use a computer program called ‘GameChanger’ to track that at the high school level,” Driskell said.
     “Is the pitcher working ahead? Consider that in your approach at the plate. Our preference is not to swing at breaking balls. I have a chart of different MLB averages matched to pitch count. The 1-1 count is a big tipping in which way the at-bat goes based on what the pitcher and hitter does next.”
     Baseball is upon us. With it comes the age old renewal of hope and endless conversation about strategy that makes the sport so great.
 

     With students at home learning virtually and several businesses closed due to this week’s winter weather, many residents are able to stay in and watch the snow and mercury fall from the comfort of their homes. Not so for the ten employees who make up the Grain Valley Public Works department.
     On Sunday, February 14th, Public Works Team A worked a 12-hour shift, applying a salt treatment and then plowing snow. 
     During the day on the 14th, a water main break occurred on Old 40 Highway which required other Public Works staff to be called in to repair the water line.
     On Monday, February 15th, Public Works Team B worked a shift plowing snow and treating streets. The work continued Tuesday, February 16th and Wednesday, February 17th, as snow continued to fall. 
     Crews responded to a second water main break on Tuesday, February 16th on McQuerry Road.
     Over the last three days, the Public Works staff repaired 40 frozen residential water meters.
     Reached for comment on the recent work by the department, Community Development Director Mark Trosen was quick to praise the work of the City employees.
     “The Public Works staff goes above and beyond each day to serve our community but over the last three days due to frigid cold temperatures and snow conditions, that call to service has intensified. Public Works only consist of 10 employees that have worked tirelessly these last few days to ensure that residents have water in their homes and safe streets to drive on,” Trosen said.
     Work on water mains and residential meters continue as problems arise, and the road crews continue efforts to keep the streets clear.
     “Grain Valley is divided into three snow districts, for operational purposes, with each district assigned a minimum of one truck. Streets in each district are classified as Priority One/ Emergency Snow Routes (arterial streets), Priority Two (collectors), and Priority Three (residential and cul-de-sacs). Priority one streets are the first streets to receive attention,” Trosen explained.   
     “Whenever the Priority One streets are deemed safe for travel during or after a snowfall, the City’s plow trucks begin operations on the Priority Two streets while maintaining Priority One streets. After these streets are completed, trucks will move to Priority Three, or residential streets and cul-de-sacs. If during plowing operations on Priority Two or Three streets it begins to snow again and priority one streets become dangerous, trucks will be dispatched back to these streets as needed.”
     Public Works crew members are divided into A and B team rotations, rotating weekly to be the first responders. Each team consists of 3 drivers, 1 crew leader and 1 dispatcher per 12-hour shift. The crew leader can salt and plow complaint areas or fill in for a driver that may become ill during shift. 
     Contact Public Works if water is not functioning in your entire home. This may indicate a frozen water meter. They can be called at 816-847-0091, or 816-990-1990 after hours.
 

     The week of February 15th is National Random Acts of Kindness Week, and we’ve been chatting on social media with residents about the kind acts that have touched their lives. We’ve received several messages and nominations, many from folks who wish their kind deeds to remain anonymous.
     This makes it tough for us as story writers, but we appreciate the quiet way so many in our community go about showing kindness to those in need. Grain Valley Police Chief James Beale reflected on the many acts of kindness his department has received.  
     “I think the best act of kindness displayed this past year has been the overall support that the Police Department has received from the community. The community support provided mental nutrition to our minds,” Beale said.
     Jerry Vaughan, board member with the Grain Valley Assistance Council (GVAC), shared there was an opportunity for the community to spread kindness to those in need through food donations for the Counci’s pantry. For a full list of needed items, please see below. Food items can be dropped off in the GVAC collection barrel, located just inside the entrance at the Grain Valley Community Center, any time during regular Community Center hours.
     Join the conversation online on Facebook (@grainvalleynews).

     In addition to the regular food items, the Grain Valley Assistance Council pantry is running low on several items, including pancake mix, syrup, jelly and spaghetti.
     Also needed are the following:
mac & cheese, canned corn, rice or pasta side dishes, spaghetti-o's or canned ravioli, canned tomatoes or tomato sauce, pork & beans, and boxed dinners (hamburger helper style).
     Food donations can be dropped off in the GVAC collection barrel, located just inside the entrance at the Grain Valley Community Center, any time during the regular Community Center hours.
 

​     After brutal cold weather caused schools and businesses to close, headaches with frozen pipes, water main breaks, and dangerous travel conditions the week of February 15th, the National Weather Service Kansas City projects high temperatures in the upper 40s to 50s by early next week.
     While the area welcomes the rise in temps, a downward trend in COVID-19 cases is welcome news as well.
     According to data from Missouri’s Show Me Strong Recovery plan website, as of February 16th, cases are down 50.1% and deaths down 28.6% compared to the prior seven days in Jackson County. The past seven days, the County has reported 241 positive cases and 5 deaths.
     Officials stress mask wearing, social distancing, regular hand washing, and monitoring of symptoms are still critical steps to continuing the downward trend.
 

      During the 1980s, the good citizens of Grain Valley depended on area papers for their news. Often you would find Grain Valley stories in the Buckner Villager or the Oak Grove Banner. The Central and North Kansas City Star was a weekly insert in The Kansas City Star. It was during the late 1980s that the Independence Examiner seemed to expand their coverage to include more news from Eastern Jackson County.
     For a year, possibly two years, around 1986 the Valley News was published in our community. I have not been able to learn very much about this newspaper. I contacted a few people to gather information; only one remembered the paper, others did not. I was only able to learn that the owner/publisher was Richard J. and Becky A. Rippe. I found an address on Vesper in Blue Springs. They were only married a few years from 1982 to about 1988. I believe the paper may have ended with the marriage.
     Among all of the papers from the 1980s, the stories all shared one central theme –the growth of Grain Valley. The real estate section in the want ads featured many new homes and acres of land for sale all around the town.
If you lived in Grain Valley in the 1980s you may remember some of these stories.
After a petition by a group of citizens, home mail delivery increased by 117 new locations.
After the death of Ken Ramsey, Valley Fair Daze chairman, an attempt was made to build a horse show arena south of town.
A flying club was established at the East Kansas City Airport and many local residents began flying lessons.
In 1985 a group of citizens and the city fought to lower the cost of telephone service to the metropolitan Kansas City area. Residents were paying $8 more per month than Blue Springs residents for the same service.
To meet the ever-increasing population a 1985 school bond issue added classrooms at Matthew Elementary and increase the size of the cafeteria at the middle school, junior high and high school.
In 1988 the school purchased nearly 60 acres on AA Highway (now Eagles Parkway) from Steve and Debbie Gildehaus for $142,000. Don’t you wonder what that same land would cost today. 
Remember the acid leak from the railroad tanker car in April of 1985. Thirty-five homes were evacuated and the airport was closed until the acid could be cleaned up.
In 1988 we almost got a weather station on Monkey Mountain. Not everyone was in favor! The weather station was built in Pleasant Hill.
Of course, the Valley News always carried lots of high school sports. 1986 was an outstanding football season. We lost the Class 2A district title to Penney High School in Hamilton, MO.
But I think my favorite story had to be, “New Neighbors Create a Stink in Grain Valley.”
     The story appeared in August of 1988. It appears that seeking food, a number of skunks had come to town.  The subject was brought up and discussed by Winona Burgess, Ward 1 councilwoman at the monthly meeting. The city administrator sought advice from the Missouri Department of Conservation. It was decided that the homeowner would have to take care of the problem themselves. However, it was announced that skunks do not like to get their feet dirty. Therefore a mixture of roofing tar and creosote would discourage the skunks and once they left your property you should “plug up the holes in your foundations and sheds.”
 
Next Week: The Pointe
 
     Visit the Grain Valley Historical Society at 506 S. Main on Wednesdays or visit us online at ww.grainvalleyhistory.com and Facebook (@grainvalleyhistory).

     After a successful career in the boating industry, Mary Jo Goettling felt a pull last year to make a change. With a heart to help others navigate through all the seasons of life, Goettling found a home with Farmers Insurance.
     Goettling’s faith is important to her and it informs how she conducts her business.
     “We are here to walk alongside people in their lives. We celebrate victories with them and will be there for them in a time of loss. For us, this is about helping to build relationships with people and the business will come,” Goettling said.
     Goettling opened her agency last October, and is building an agency focused on the ever changing needs of her customers. 
     “We are here to serve them whenever they need us—to celebrate an exciting change like a new car, home, or baby, or in bad times when there’s been an accident or loss.”
     Goettling selected Farmers after talking with family members who work in insurance and a fellow church member who works for Farmers.
     “What impressed me was what they do, not just for their agents, but for their customers. Farmers is first on the scene, whether it was Hurricane Katrina or the tornado in Joplin. They were prepared with boots on the ground, and were focused first on the basic needs of their customers, and then quickly took care of their claims. That’s what I want to align myself with,” Goettling said.
     While insurance advertising often focuses on cost savings, Goettling emphasizes families must consider their entire picture and understand that fast and cheap insurance coverage is often not good coverage.
     “I am more concerned about them as a person and taking care of the whole picture. Do we want to save them money? Absolutely we do, and Farmers has a wonderful variety of discounts to save customers money.”
     “We are very price competitive. There have been customers in the last week who saved half of what they had been paying with companies they had been with for years.”
     Goettling stresses the importance of regularly reviewing your coverage.
     “If you are not sitting down with your agent at least once a year and doing a review, then there’s a problem. One thing that Farmers really stresses is to be in a personal relationship with our clientele and to make sure that we annually do a review. We take the opportunity to sit down together and look at what has changed in your life in the past year that may need to be covered differently.”
     “We have to know what season of life our customers are in. If we’re not doing that, then we’re not doing our job.”
     Goettling’s agency is located at 628 NW Jefferson Street in Grain Valley, and can be reached by phone at 816-355-4747 or online at agent.Farmers.com/mgoettling.
 
Sponsored advertisement, made possible through the Grain Valley Partnership.
 

     In addition to the regular food items, the Grain Valley Assistance Council pantry is running low on several items, including pancake mix, syrup, jelly and spaghetti.
     Also needed are the following:
mac & cheese, canned corn, rice or pasta side dishes, spaghetti-o's or canned ravioli, canned tomatoes or tomato sauce, pork & beans, and boxed dinners (hamburger helper style).
     Food donations can be dropped off in the GVAC collection barrel, located just inside the entrance at the Grain Valley Community Center, any time during the regular Community Center hours.
 

     I was talking to my mom in Florida the other day when she said, “What’s that noise I hear in the background?” I smiled and said, “Oh, that’s the grandson singing.” He loves to sing and, in fact, sings all the time.
     I love to hear him sing. Sometimes, he will be singing to himself in the back of the car. Sometimes he sings while he plays.
     Sometimes, the melodies are unrecognizable as he loves to make up songs. Other times, the songs are recognizable. They are tunes that he has picked up from one of the shows that he watches. Sometimes, we sing together and I make up songs that we sing.
     Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Like most kids, I remember growing up listening to my mom listen to music. My mother loved to sing, and even plays a few instruments. I grew up loving music.
     I remember when the Glen Campbell show used to come on. As a little kid, I would run to my room and grab my kid’s guitar and play along (whether it had strings, I don’t remember).
     Eventually, I began to take piano lessons and enjoyed playing. I took lessons for a couple of years. It was a lot of work, but a lot of fun. Along the way, I discovered that playing the piano wasn’t cool. I’m not sure which one of my friends informed me of that. But, I recognized the need to move on to a more suitable instrument.
     As a teen, I think I initially wanted to play the drums. But my mom, extremely wise, knew this would probably not be the best choice for our family. Instead, we headed off to an old Sears store and I got an acoustic guitar. This was a monumental event.
     I took guitar lessons and found that learning to play was much harder than I imagined it would be. I remember the initial pain of my fingers as I tried to push the strings down on the frets to play notes and chords. But, despite the pain and callouses, I was hooked. With a lot of time and practice, I was able to get the hang of it.
     Playing guitar became a part of my DNA. I had a pretty good ear for music, a passion to play, and the discipline to practice. I would play for hours trying to figure out songs and making up my own. Doing my homework would have to take a back seat.
     Several years later, I began to meet other musicians and bounced around in several bands. I met a great friend, David, who was extremely talented. I became the backup guitarist for his band. David could play anything from Van Halen to Bach. He was versatile and could read music and play by ear.
     He helped me see the potential that I had and was extremely encouraging. He eventually went on to become extremely successful and was featured in several bands, eventually becoming a studio musician in Nashville. David and I played for several years until I decided that I wanted to be in the spotlight.
     After high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I got into some trouble with the law and my mother was insistent that I do something with my life and suggested college. I enrolled in a local junior college and began to study music. After several semesters, I realized that college, at least at the time, was not for me. I was destined for greater things like becoming a rock star. I had the hair and the look. All I needed was the break.
     At the age of 19, I got my big break. I found my purpose in life and became a Christian. I sang a new song (Ps 96:1). I continued to play in a band, but because of my faith in Christ, everything  changed.
     I’ll never forget that fateful band practice. My band was in the studio practicing for an upcoming show. As a rock band in the 80s, we played Boston, Rush, Van Halen, and even AC/DC. At that time, we were working on the AC/DC song, “Hell’s Bells” and Van Halen’s “Running with the Devil.” I had played these songs hundreds of times, but never thought about the songs before. They were just songs and I was going through the motions.
     However, as I began to play and our lead singer began to sing, the words of the songs became extremely clear. They weren’t just songs. They were messages. Hell’s bells were no longer chiming for me. I was no longer running with the devil. Now that my life was in tune, these songs were in the wrong key. I knew that this was my last band practice. I didn’t look back.
     I don’t know why I was surprised, but the Bible has a lot to say about music. For example, at creation, the angels sang (Job 38:7). If you are ever on Jeopardy and are asked, “who is the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe?” make sure to say Jubal—but make sure to say it in the form of a question (Gen 4:27).  
     The Bible also mentions stringed instruments, percussion, wind instruments, and more. In fact, a whole book in the Bible is filled with songs. It’s called, Psalms. Did you know that when God descended on Mount Sinai, there was a loud trumpet blast? (Ex. 19:19-20). Also, when Jesus comes again, there will also be a loud trumpet blast (1 Thes 4:16). I wonder if there’s a coincidence. Jesus Himself sang with his disciples (Matt 26:30). God Himself sings. The Bible says, “he will exult over you with loud singing” (Zeph 3:17).
     As the years went on, I began to play in church and, for many years, played in a praise band. Having the opportunity to play was fun and the times of worship were meaningful. Playing in the praise band was also a challenge. There were times that I played for God. However, there were other times that I played for me. It was a delicate dance.
     My sacrifice of praise was not intended to be for my personal enjoyment, but for God’s ultimate glory. There is a difference. At times, I had the wrong audience and needed to remember that my greatest joy is found in making sure God is in the spotlight, not me.
     Initially, I really thought that God would use me in music ministry. Although, I did work in Christian radio for decades, and got paid to listen to music, it was all behind the scenes. I really thought I would play. Apparently, God, the Master Conductor had other plans for my life and He called me to preach. 
     The instrument has changed, yet, the song remains. I still love to play and sing.  I sing to myself, sometimes singing out loud. I’ve even been known to sing when I preach. As the old gospel song goes, “there’s within my heart a melody.”
     I think all of us were created to sing. God has given us a wonderful gift in the gift of music. We all have a song in our heart. But, like an old 45 rpm record, there’s a A side and a flip side (you might need to Google that). For the believer, it’s the song of the redeemed (Rev 14:3). It’s a song of hope, joy, peace, and fulfillment.
     There’s no other song like it. The wonderful thing is, even if you can’t hear the tune right now, there’s plenty of room in the choir.
 
Dr. Wayne Geiger Pastor of First Baptist Grain Valley, an Adjunct Professor of Speech, and freelance writer.
 

     It might be hard to believe now, but the icy, freezing winter weather will be over in the weeks to come. It will be time to start thinking about spring vegetable gardening! Begin the garden season with some planning.
     You can use the MU Extension Vegetable Planting Calendar to help guide you to success-
https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6201
     This publication will help you know what to plant when and other helpful gardening planning information.
If you want to start your own cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts transplants, now is the time to begin. These cold tolerant cole-crops (cabbage-related crops) take about 5-8 days to germinate when in a warm (75-77 degrees) conditions.
     As soon as they germinate, move the seedlings to a well- lit location. You will need a sunny south window, fluorescent lights set up on shelving units to create a bright propagation area, or a greenhouse.
     Seedlings that do not get enough light, get too tall and often fall over. They will not mature into plants that produce good crops.
     If you do not have adequate light to start your own transplants, you can wait and purchase cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower transplants at garden center stores soon. In Central Missouri, transplants for cole-crops can be planted outside in a sunny spot in the vegetable garden, from mid-March through mid to late April.
     If temperatures well below freezing are predicted, you can cover them with newspaper, sheets of plastic, even bed sheets overnight for protection. Or you can cover the plants with floating row cover that can be kept on to help keep insect pests out.
    Floating row cover is a spun polyester fabric that lets light and rain in and creates a microclimate underneath next to the soil that is several degrees warmer than the outside temperatures.
     When the snow and ice melts, and garden soil is moist and crumbly, you can direct-sow cold tolerant crops such as arugula, lettuce, radishes, and sugar snap peas outside.
     Onions are a good spring crop, too. They will be available at garden centers in early spring, as onion sets, which are small onion bulbs, or as onion plants.
 
     Early spring is also a great time to plant ornamental cabbage and kale, pansies, and violas. These visually attractive plants love the cool weather and can be planted along flower bed borders, among the vegetables, and in containers. They will provide a wide range of color until the temperatures get hot in late June and July.
     Do you have more gardening questions? Field Specialists in Horticulture will hold the next free Horticulture Town Hall on March 10, 2021. Here is the link to register- https://ipm.missouri.edu/townHalls/
Choose the horticulture option to join in an informative discussion on many gardening topics.
     The Gardener Hotline is another way to get reliable gardening information. It is staffed by trained Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Greater Kansas City. The phone number is 816-833-TREE (8733).  You can also email gardening, landscaping, and other horticulture questions to them at [email protected].
     Feel free to contact Cathy Bylinowski, MU Extension Horticulture Instructor, [email protected], if you have more gardening questions or need more information on MU Extension Horticulture programs.
 

     Is the latest diet trend really that healthy? How many carbs should I be eating daily? Can a detox diet work in my favor? Whether or not you’ve fallen for nutrition myths in the past, it can be hard to decipher fact from fiction when your favorite fitness influencer makes a claim on social media.
     Therefore, before you implement dietary rules, a chat with a registered dietitian may be worth your time – and possibly your health. Hy-Vee dietitians can crack the code to many myths surfacing the web. Check the facts below to see what’s true and what’s trash.
 
Do carbs make you gain weight? 
     Carbohydrates are often demonized as the weight gain devil. But do you have to cut carbs out entirely to lose a few pounds? Carbs – especially complex carbs – are important for energy, brain function and even weight loss. Complex carbohydrates include whole grains, beans and vegetables, which are rich in belly-filling fiber.
     Simple carbs are those high-sugary foods and processed grains, which lead to unsatisfying meals causing us to overindulge later. Keep in mind, any food you eat in excess will cause you to gain weight; therefore, don’t point fingers at one of the major food groups. Think about the selections and portions with carb choices and make room on your plate for more whole-grain varieties.
 
Is snacking throughout the day bad for my health?
     There’s a fine line between a smart snack and grazing, and the difference between the two can make or break your health goals. A smart snack is one that is planned, consumed when true hunger strikes, and includes nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, veggies, whole grains and protein. It can help bridge the gap between meals to ensure we don’t overeat later.
     Grazing, on the other hand, is frequent eating of an undefined portion of food. More often than not, grazing can include the consumption of high-caloric and nutrient-poor foods, leading to weight gain. When done correctly, snacking is a healthy habit to incorporate in our everyday routines. Just be smart about it.
 
Can certain foods burn calories?
    In short, no. Caffeine and spicy ingredients can increase metabolism, yet not enough for significant calorie burn or weight loss. The secret solution? A combined effort with diet and consistent exercise.  
 
Are fat-free or low-fat versions of foods healthier?
     When a product claims it contains low or no fat, be sure to consider the sugar content. It’s common for manufacturers to replace fat with this taste-enhancing nutrient to make it more palatable since fat provides food with flavor.
     In addition, we may eat more of a low-fat product because fat takes longer to digest. Therefore, our attempt to save on calories by choosing this alternative is essentially a wash.
 
Does eating at night lead to weight gain?
     It’s been shown that high-caloric foods like ice cream and chips are indulged after dark, contributing to a wider midsection. You can guess that ingesting excess calories at any time of the day would have the same effects on the body, but we tend to do more mindless eating watching television or surfing the web at the conclusion of our day.
     If you’re hankering for a late-night snack, choose one that includes protein and fiber like a fruit and yogurt parfait, as you’ll be more satisfied and less likely to go back for more.
 
     If you fall in the 78% of people who encounter conflicting information about what to eat, consider contacting a Hy-Vee dietitian. These professionals undergo several years of schooling, must pass a licensed examination, and keep up with continuing education every year to stay relevant with the ever-changing world of nutrition.
     Don’t believe everything you read on the internet, and get the facts from the professional.
 
     The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.
 
     Megan Callahan is one of your Hy-Vee Corporate Dietitians. She is dedicated to helping people live healthier and happier lives. Megan received a bachelor’s degree in dietetics from Missouri State University. She completed her dietetic internship at the University of Kansas Medical Center, where she also received her Master of Science degree in dietetics and nutrition. Megan has been working with Hy-Vee full-time for 10 years. Megan lives in Lee’s Summit with her husband Matt, and their 2 children Kennedy (4) & Carsyn (2).
 

​     The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), announced a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for individuals and families for Marketplace coverage in response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, which has left millions of Americans facing uncertainty and exceptional circumstances while millions of Americans have experienced new health problems during the pandemic.
     This SEP will allow individuals and families in states with Marketplaces served by the HealthCare.gov platform to enroll in 2021 health insurance coverage. Beginning February 15, 2021 and through May 15, 2021, these Marketplaces will operationalize functionality to make this SEP available to all Marketplace-eligible consumers who are submitting a new application or updating an existing application.
     The SEP will be offered to consumers applying for new coverage or updating an existing application through HealthCare.gov, the Marketplace call center, or through direct enrollment channels.
     Some consumers may already be eligible for other existing SEPs, Medicaid, or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) – they can visit HealthCare.gov now to find out if they can enroll in the meantime. Starting February 15, consumers seeking to take advantage of the new SEP can find out if they are eligible by visiting HealthCare.gov.
 

Jackson County Health Department will offer the following COVID-19 testing locations February 22—26:
 
Monday:  Lee’s Summit
This is a Drive-Thru
505 NW Blue parkway, Lee’s Summit 64063
Registration link: https://jacohd.jotform.com/210315584614855
  
Tuesday: Grandview
This is not a drive-thru clinic
The View: Grandview- The View Community Center  13500 Byars Rd., Grandview MO 64030.
Registration link: https://jacohd.jotform.com/210316527514852      
 
Wednesday: Blue Springs
This is not a drive thru clinic
Vesper Hall 400 NW Vesper St. Blue Springs
Registration link: https://jacohd.jotform.com/210324896314858
 
Thursday: Lee’s Summit
This is a drive-thru
505 NW Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit 64063
Registration link: https://jacohd.jotform.com/210316333014842
      
Friday: Independence
Not a drive-thru
Independence Uptown Farmers Market- 211 W Truman Rd., Independence MO 64050
Registration Link: https://jacohd.jotform.com/210324687414857